Mechanic Please Help. Engine is leaking Antifreeze!?

Question

I have a 04 Nissan Sentra. I have only had it a few months, and I purchased it from a semi private owner. My husband noticed antifreeze dripping down the front of the engine, by the head gasket?? Is this a major job? Can it be done by a regular Joe? My husband can change oil, and brakes, and radiators, and starters...but does this job need to be done by a pro? We are gonna go broke for sure aren't we? It really hurts because we bought this car to save on gas and now this happens?? Please Help!

Answer 1

If the car is leaking antifreeze, didn't someone check the car before you bought it? It could just be a hose clamp needs to be replaced or tightened. The only way to tell is to take it to a mechanic and see what he says. If it's bad, it's bad, you can't change things by not having it looked at. If the car is overheating and spilling a lot of antifreeze, then you have a big problem.

Answer 2

Pressure test the cooling system first, it may not be the head gasket. Could just be a hose, thermostat housing, water pump, etc. Buy a repair manual and change it. If he's mechanically inclined and follows the steps, he'll be okay.

Answer 3

If it's the head gasket you should notice white smoke coming from the exhaust as the car is running. It may not be that bad.

Answer 4

fill it with water, one can black pepper  let it get warm cool off sell to someone you don't know